‘Preparation is really ramping up’: 2026 Sask. Winter Games enter final stretch

With about 1,600 athletes expected to arrive in just over a month, the communities of Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation are entering the final stretch of preparations for the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games, which run Feb. 15 to 21.

Games manager Brittani Dunsing said planning has now moved firmly into its final phase.

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“So right now, preparation is really ramping up as we head into February and we’re just over a month from the game,” she said. “The host committee, we’re in the final stage of planning, the schedules for the sports, the venues [and] logistics.”

Much of that work, she said, is happening behind the scenes as organizers get ready to welcome athletes, coaches, officials and visitors from across Saskatchewan.

“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes things happening right now, and so far everything is running to the end,” she said.

As the countdown continues, Dunsing said volunteer recruitment has become one of the most pressing priorities.

“So right now we have around 200 to 300 volunteers, which is very incredible to see so far,” she said. “Volunteers are such a huge part of the Winter Games and making it possible. Without them, we couldn’t host the games.”

The goal, she said, is to reach about 1,000 volunteers before opening day.

Volunteers will be needed for a wide range of duties — from ceremonies and transportation to venue operations and athlete services. Training will be provided, and no prior Games experience is required.

“Really, just about anything you can think of, there’s something truly for everyone,” Dunsing said.

What to expect on opening day and beyond

Opening day will see athletes arrive from across the province, with the Games officially getting underway that evening.

“To start the games that evening on the 15th, we’ll have a huge opening ceremony at the Co-op center, and that’s open to all the public as well,” Dunsing said. “Tickets will go on sale shortly for that.”

Competition will continue throughout the week across Meadow Lake and Flying Dust, with events spread across multiple locations.

“There’ll be about 13 different venues around for people to go check out and see the competition between the week,” she said.

The Games will feature 17 sports, including artistic swimming, badminton, biathlon, and cross-country and para nordic skiing. Final athlete numbers are still being determined.

“Right now we’re looking at about 1,600 athletes.”

Beyond the size of the event, Dunsing said the 2026 Games carry special significance for the host communities.

“[It is] definitely more historic and uniquely significant,” she said.

For the first time, a First Nation and a city are jointly hosting the Saskatchewan Winter Games — a partnership Dunsing said reflects collaboration and shared pride.

“So it’s really great to work together to host an event to show the province how us with neighboring communities can plan and celebrate a province-wide event collaboratively,” she said.

Anticipation building locally

Dunsing said excitement has been growing as more residents learn the Games are returning to the region, with many recalling the lasting impact of Meadow Lake’s hosting of the 2012 Saskatchewan Summer Games.

“When people started to figure out that we were hosting the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games, everyone got very excited, and I can tell there’s definitely a lot of anticipation for these games,” she said.

As February approaches, she said community involvement, particularly through volunteering, will play a key role in shaping how smoothly the Games unfold.

“The more hands, the better.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can find more information and register online here.